Details

The first development piece from the brand new Edinburgh-based company Wildfire Theatre, formed by Molly Innes, Pauline Lockhart, Wendy Seager and Natalie Arle-Toyne. Wildfire Theatre aims to change the perceptions and expectations of working class women.

Molly, Pauline, Wendy and Natalie booked community centres all over Edinburgh, distributed flyers, and sat and waited. Through the door came women with the most amazing stories, passionate and brave women willing to share their writing for the first time. With an email inbox bursting with new scripts from unlikely storytellers, Wildfire was born.

Project #1 brings two of those voices, Frances McCann and Claire McCracken, to the Traverse stage. A selection of their work will be presented as performed readings.

Flickering Seasons by Frances McCann

An autobiographical piece written when Frances was at a low point in her life, living in a women's homeless hostel in West Pilton. 'It was a way to release the pain l was feeling. I would cycle out to Cramond, sit by the water and write.'

Cardboard Mum by Claire McCracken

Attie is a millennial who lives her life on the internet. She can eat what she wants, go to bed when she wants, and never has to leave the house. Jenna is here to help Attie get her life together, but mostly serves as a reminder that rebellion is only fun when there’s a law.

Chasm by Claire McCracken

Taking as its focal point the 2014 lorry crash in George Square, Chasm explores how people are both brought together and pulled apart in times of crisis.

The Friend Request by Claire McCracken

A twisted adaptation of Beauty and the Beast inspired by a newspaper article about a convicted criminal who had to ask permission to make friends. It sees an unconventional friendship develop between a seasoned offender and a young, naïve case worker.

The Tour of Life Before the Dawn by Claire McCracken

Kate Bush has only done two sets of live shows – The Tour of Life in 1979, and Before the Dawn in 2014. This play celebrates the work of this elusive genius through the playlist of adoring number one fan and Kate Bush impersonator, Emily.